Meet Stefany of Whirl Girl!

I've been hooked on sewing ever since my mom taught me how to use a sewing machine so I could make a series of skirts for my high school art show. Ever since, I have had a passion for creating unique clothing using vintage/ recycled materials and eco-progressive fabrics. Last winter (2008) I couldn’t resist buying a cute bomber winter coat. The coat was great, but from the waist down I was freezing in the face of winter. Because of this I was inspired to create a warm winterized wrap around skirt that could be worn like a jacket, but for your lower half. Sewing had always been a hobby of mine, and I would often make skirts and other fun things for myself and my friends. When I started wearing my warm wrap skirt around Toronto I was amazed at how many people (total strangers) would stop to ask me about my warm skirt. I loved mine so much and wanted to wear it everyday (and still do) - that I though 'hey, maybe I'm onto something here.'

I do a lot of walking, biking and waiting for the streetcar to get around town and also recently adopted a cute rescue pup named 'the dude' - so I spend a lot of time outside - and when it's cold out I love being able to 'whirl' into one of my skirts, it always makes the weather seem just a wee bit warmer. I also love to hike, canoe trip and travel, and know how essential versatile, quick-dry clothing is when you're living out of a backpack.

I've expanded my line to include hand dyed hooded jackets (like the one I'm wearing in the picture), scarves, tops, and have a new wrap skirt in the works for this winter so stay tuned!

Candice at the Candi Factory!

Candice Levine is a maker of pretty things who hails from Toronto. In the 90’s Candice earned a B.A. in philosophy from the University of Western Ontario and a degree in Fashion Design from Parsons School of Design, NYC.

Since she makes a funny face when attacked by an itchy piece of fabric, Candice created the candi factory to experiment in super-cute softness and occasional polka-dots. These lovable underthings and other things are made from scratch in her High Park studio.

Our little factory runs smoothly thanks to Shreve, factory advisor/husband, and to River, our wild 1 1/2 year old son who mostly keeps away from the sewing machines.

Meet Jenn of Paper People Clothing

Jennifer Fukushima grew up in Thunder Bay, Ontario, where the only clothing options were cookie cutter fashions from the local mall and second hand findings from the Salvation Army Thrift Store. In search of something different, she began surfing the internet, perusing crafty DIY sites like Sparkle Craft and Epitome Girl. At the age of 17, she decided to launch her own line, Paper People.

Fukushima moved to Toronto to study fashion at Ryerson University and soon her line was carried at local downtown boutiques. She sourced second hand t-shirts and turned them into funky, eclectic tank tops. Paper People has since evolved to include eco-friendly options such as bamboo, hemp and organic cotton garments. The line blends colour, texture and pattern for a DIY, handmade appeal.

Meet Laura-Jean

This is me- Laura-Jean! I'm the proud owner of Fresh Collective and the designer behind the line Fresh Baked Goods! I started my business in 1994, specializing in knits, and quickly became known as Laura-Jean the Knitting Queen. Since then, I've added a lot of printed cottons, cute corduroy dresses and skirts, but I still love making sweaters too! I've also fallen in love with running my two collective shops. It's a lot of fun to meet our customers, and work with such an amazing group of designers- all of whom provide endless energy and inspiration and add so much to our great shops.

In my personal life, I live in Parkdale with my husband, musician Steve Singh, my wonderful little son Dexter, and our dog Jefferson. My studio is in our basement, which makes for a pretty busy household, but it's a lot of fun!

Meet Charmain!

INTEGRITY DESIGNS, created in 2006, by designer/manufacturer, Charmain Bertram, specializes in classic denim designs, bags, comfortable knit wear using sustainable fabrics, recreated recycled clothing designs and unique silk screened prints.
Having studied Fashion design and techniques at George Brown College while working at Leo's textiles, Charmain learned the fundamentals of garment design and an in depth knowledge of textile application. Subsequent to graduating with a diploma in fashion design and techniques, a designers’ assistant position with custom jeans designer and tailor, Sydney Mamane, was acquired. This created and nurtured a love for classic denim design and a passion for detail. Following this, Charmain was employed by Cathy Cooper of Urban Bride. Where she learned the science of delicate fabrics and the tricks of the trade in formal wear.
Following the closure of Urban Bride, INTEGRITY DESIGNS was born. Becoming a member of the Fresh Collective, on trendy Queen St. West in Toronto Ontario , INTEGRITY began, with hand painted knit designs, classic jean cuts, patchwork doupionni silk bags and an overall devotion to the environment.

Think BIG

Live small

Live with INTEGRITY……